Learn How to Obtain a Passport

Step 1

Fill Out Form DS-11: Application For a U.S. Passport and then print it. You should select a Passport Book, not a Passport Card. You have the option of paying for “expedited” service, but in our experience most regular processing takes about 2-3 weeks.

Step 2

Gather the required supporting documents: your evidence of U.S. citizenship, identity document, passport photo, and fee payment. Details on these are provided below.

Step 3

Submit Completed Form DS-11 and supporting documents/fees in person at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. You can click on the links to find a convenient location for you. The closest passport acceptance facility to the SU main campus is the Post Office in Winchester, located at 340 N. Pleasant Valley Ave. You must first make an appointment by calling 540-545-7957.

Step 4

Make sure to make and keep a photocopy of the first page of your application, the page that contains your full name exactly as it will appear on your new passport. This page will serve as evidence for us that you have applied and will allow us to book your airline ticket, which must have your name exactly as it will be on your passport.

Supporting Documents

Evidence of U.S. Citizenship. If you need to retrieve one of these documents from home, obtain them from state or city records offices, or have a parent send them to you, start making those arrangements IMMEDIATELY. Here are the kinds of documents that are eligible for evidence of citizenship. You only need one of them. Please note that you will be submitting this original document with your application and that it will be mailed back to you.

Previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport

Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state

Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth

Naturalization Certificate

Certificate of Citizenship

Photocopy of an Identification Document(s)Make a photocopy of the front and back of your driver’s license (or other acceptable IDs) to include in your application packet.According to the information on the State Department website “If you apply at an Acceptance Facility and submit out-of- state primary identification, you must present an additional ID document, as well.”

One Passport Photo. Please note that there are exact specifications about what makes a “passport photo”; you can’t just bring a photo that you’ve taken on your own. You can get these done at any pharmacy, Costco, etc. Don’t staple it to your application.

Bring Identification (which you’ve made a copy of) to your appointment. You will leave the photocopy with the application packet and keep your ID.